Chan’Tal Underwood is the lead teacher in the infant room.  She has enjoyed being a part of Hope Lutheran Early Learning Center since April of 2007.    Throughout her life she has worked with children of all ages as an employee at the Fort Riley Child Care, as a lead teacher in the nursery at a YMCA center, by running her own childcare and serving as an assistant preschool teacher.
Chan’Tal has loved all her life experiences through the years that she has spent caring for all of the different children.  For there is no better place to be and every one of them has touch her in so many different ways.  She thanks you for letting her have this opportunity to share in your children’s lives here at Hope Lutheran.

Whitney Walters is the lead teacher in the Toddler 1 room.  She is a current student at Kansas State University, and is pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education.  She’s originally from Salina, KS, moved to Manhattan four years ago, and has been with Hope since August of 2006.

Ashley Wanklyn is a co-lead teacher in the Two Year Old Room. She came to Hope in January of 2008.  She has had experience in the infant room and Toddler 1, and enjoys working with children of all ages.  Since joining Hope, she has learned so much from the children and looks forward to all that Hope has to offer.

Taci Alpers is an assistant teacher in the Toddler 2 classroom.  She has been at Hope since August 2007.  Taci is at Kansas State pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.  In her free time she loves to spend time with her family and friends.  She also loves to shop and play sports.

Laurie Kurtz is the Assistant Director at the West Campus.  In addition to these responsibilities, she serves as the lead teacher in our Preschool classroom.  Mrs. Kurtz graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Elementary Education.  Laurie loves working with her preschool children, preparing them for success in their elementary school futures.  Laurie and her husband have an adorable but very ornery dog named Tipper and a cat named Uno because he only has one white spot.

Connie Brandt is the Director of Hope ELC’s East Campus.  In May of 2008, she graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota with her degree in  Elementary Education.  In the same May, Miss Brandt received a call from Hope Lutheran Church to serve our Center children.  In addition to being our East Campus Director, she serves as a co-lead teacher in the Preschool classroom.  Connie loves children and being able to help them grow.  She especially likes sharing Christ’s love with the children through the center on a daily basis.  

Charli Hamilton is a co-lead teacher in the preschool room. She has been a member of the Hope Lutheran ELC staff since January of 2006.  Charli is attending Kansas State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.  Kids are her passion and she looks forward to working with them every day!

Mercedes Waker is an assistant teacher in the 2 year old room, and has experience working with preschoolers.  Sadie started working with Hope Lutheran ELC in June of 2006.  Sadie is currently enrolled at Kansas State, majoring in Early Childhood Education.  She loves working with children and hopes to make a career out of it.

Sara Miller started working at Hope Lutheran Early Learning Center in March 2008.  She has worked in the Preschool and Infant 1 and 2 rooms and is currently a Co-Lead teacher in the Two Year Old room.  Sara is attending Kansas State University, working toward a degree in Family Studies.  Once she completes her degree she will study to become a registered nurse.  Sara enjoys working in such an uplifting environment and loves watching each child grow and develop into his or her own special personality.